Yuri Andropov

General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (1914–1984)
(Redirected from Andropov)

Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov[1] (Russian: Юрий Владимирович Андропов; 15 June 1914 – 9 February 1984)[2] was a Soviet politician who briefly served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1982 until his death in 1984. He previously headed the KGB and played a role in suppressing dissent. Andropov's time in power was marked by a focus on domestic issues and efforts to combat corruption, but his tenure was cut short by his death.

Yuri Andropov
Юрий Андропов
Andropov in 1974
General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
In office
10 November 1982 – 9 February 1984
Preceded byLeonid Brezhnev
Succeeded byKonstantin Chernenko
President of the Soviet Union
In office
16 June 1983 – 9 February 1984
Preceded byVasili Kuznetsov (acting)
Succeeded byVasili Kuznetsov (acting)
Second Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
In office
25 January 1982 – 10 November 1982
Preceded byMikhail Suslov
Succeeded byKonstantin Chernenko
4th Chairman of the Committee for State Security (KGB)
In office
18 May 1967 – 26 May 1982
PremierAlexei Kosygin
Nikolai Tikhonov
Preceded byVladimir Semichastny
Succeeded byVitaly Fedorchuk
Personal details
Born
Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov

(1914-06-15)15 June 1914
Stanitsa Nagutskaya, Stavropol Governorate, Russian Empire
Died9 February 1984(1984-02-09) (aged 69)
Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Cause of deathRenal failure
CitizenshipSoviet
Political partyCommunist Party of the Soviet Union
Spouse(s)Tatyana Andropova (m. 1940s–1984; his death)
ChildrenIgor Andropov
Irina Andropova
ResidenceKutuzovsky Prospekt
Signature

Biography

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Andropov's Komsomol membership card, 1939
 
Andropov's identity card as Director of the KGB

Yuri Andropov was born on June 15, 1914, in Nagutskoye, Russia. His early life was shaped by the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, and he grew up during a period of significant political and social change. Andropov joined the Komsomol (Communist Youth League) in 1930 and became a member of the Communist Party in 1939. His career in the Soviet security apparatus began in the 1930s, and he steadily climbed the ranks. Andropov's intelligence work included serving as the Soviet ambassador to Hungary during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. His role in suppressing the uprising contributed to his reputation within the Communist Party leadership. Andropov continued to ascend in Soviet politics, becoming the head of the KGB in 1967. His leadership at the KGB was marked by a focus on suppressing dissent and maintaining strict control. In 1982, Yuri Andropov became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, succeeding Leonid Brezhnev. Andropov focused on strengthening the USSR's global position. Domestically, he tightened control to suppress dissent, while internationally, he pursued a cautious approach, emphasizing arms control and improving relations with the West, yet maintaining Soviet influence in global affairs. His brief tenure limited the scope of major policy changes. However, his time as the leader was short-lived, as he passed away in 1984.

Personal Life

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Andropov's House

Andropov lived at 26 Kutuzovsky Prospekt with Leonid Brezhnev and Mikhail Suslov. Andropov married twice, Nina Ivanovna (Married 1935, Divorced 1941), and Tatyana Andropova (Married 1941). They had 4 children, Evgenia Andropova, Igor Andropov, Irina Andropova, and Vladimir Andropov.

Health Problems

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Andropov faced various health issues, including kidney failure and diabetes. His health declined, leading to his death in 1984.

Legacy

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Andropov, Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev in 1967
 
Andropov's Grave

Andropov is often remembered for his short tenure and the crackdown on dissent. His legacy includes efforts to combat corruption and a focus on discipline in the Soviet system. His time in power was marked by political repression and a lack of significant reforms.[source?]

References

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  1. "Definition of Andropov | Dictionary.com". www.dictionary.com. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  2. Smorodinskaya (2013-10-28). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Russian Culture. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-78785-0.
Preceded by
Leonid Brezhnev
General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party
1982–1984
Succeeded by
Konstantin Chernenko